Direct laminate veneers with resin composites: two case reports with five-year follow-ups.

AIM The aim of this report is to present five-year follow-ups of two different applications for the use of direct laminate resin-based composite veneers to improve esthetics. BACKGROUND Defects in the maxillary anterior teeth, such as enamel hypoplasia and peg lateral, can present esthetic challenges. Furthermore, a treatment plan that can be completed in a single appointment is highly desirable. This case report presents two different clinical cases involving the use of direct laminate resin-based composite veneers with five-year follow-ups. CASE REPORT Case 1: A 17-year-old female patient was referred for treatment of her anterior teeth, which were unesthetically altered due to enamel hypoplasia and dental caries. A treatment plan was developed that included restoring the affected teeth with direct resin-based composite laminate veneers to improve the patient's appearance. The six maxillary anterior teeth were prepared for and restored with direct resin-based composite laminate veneers. At the five-year follow-up, the patient was satisfied with the restorations both esthetically and functionally. Case 2: A 15-year-old female patient also was referred for treatment to improve the appearance of her maxillary anterior teeth. A treatment plan was developed with two objectives: (1) to restore the undersized supernumerary crown in the area of the maxillary right lateral incisor and (2) to close the anterior diastemas. The facial surfaces were conservatively prepared and resin-based composite was applied with the aid of transparent crown forms. After completion of the treatment, the patient was recalled at six-month intervals. At the five-year follow-up appointment, the restorations were intact, no adverse effects were noted, and the resultant appearance was highly satisfactory for the patient. SUMMARY The use of direct resin-based composite laminate veneers and adhesive bonding systems has been shown to provide an esthetic alternative to metal-ceramic or all-ceramic crowns for the rehabilitation of anterior teeth. This treatment option offers another advantage, namely a lower cost compared to an indirect technique. Other more complex and costly treatment options in the future are not ruled out. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE In the present two cases, the initial and five-year follow-up results support the use of direct resin-based composite laminate veneers with minimal altering of healthy tooth structure. Such results should encourage clinicians to seek a cost-effective technique such as direct resin restorations to improve a patient's esthetic appearance in a single appointment.